From the shampoo we use every morning to the candles we enjoy at night, surrounding ourselves with pleasant scents is an important part of many people’s routines. And science is revealing that particular fragrances evoke chemical changes in our brains, making us feel happy, calm or even romantic. In fact, the International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. has conducted numerous studies on how scent impacts mood and emotional health. Find out which scents contribute to your overall well-being and how to add them to your routine.
Cheerful citrus
The refreshing scent of fresh orange has been shown to help reduce feelings of depression, while lemon helps maintain emotional balance. In addition, tangerine and grapefruit reportedly calm mood swings, contributing to overall better health and well-being. Early studies from the 1920’s into the effects of scent on mood indicate that when inhaled, citrus scents relax, calm blood pressure and breathing and regulate circulation. Though scent therapy should never replace clinical treatments for depression, it can become a soothing, healthy and safe addition.
Product picks: For a great, wake-me-up, use citrus products first thing in the morning. Bliss Lemon + Sage Soapy Sap will fill the bathroom with the revitalizing scent of fresh lemons, while L’Occitane Ruban D'Orange Soft Skin Scrub will polish the skin with the zesty, uplifting scent of oranges and rosemary.
Multi-functional mint
Mint is bright and invigorating. Prized by aromatherapists, the scent of mint restores clarity, improves focus and concentration, relieves motion sickness, helps clear blocked nasal passages and eases muscle aches and pains. The story of mint stretches back to ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, Pluto, ruler of the underworld, fell in love with Mentha, much to the chagrin of his jealous wife, Persephone, who banished Mentha deep into the earth. To console himself, Pluto turned Mentha into the wonderfully fragrant herb that we know today as mint. Also, in ancient Rome, mint leaves strewn on tables served as a warm greeting to visitors. Throughout centuries, mint has been used in medicine, cooking, perfume and air fresheners.
Product picks: Men will enjoy a refreshing shower with Bliss Mammoth Minty Scrub Soap, and women can incorporate mint into their beauty routine with TESS Sun-Kissed Sweet Mint Lip Balm SPF 15.
Romantic aromas
Research has suggested a correlation between physical attraction and scent; certain scents may actually simulate human pheromones, including sandalwood, ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose and patchouli. The impact of these scents on humans has been documented as far back as 12th century India, where, during Tantric yoga ceremonies, men applied sandalwood, while women typically anointed various parts of their bodies with jasmine, patchouli, amber and musk. Other studies have shown that men in particular respond positively to the scent of vanilla, cinnamon, lavender and pumpkin.
Product picks: To create a romantic environment filled with jasmine and lotus flowers, try the Sundari Chameli Scented Candle. Colorescience Incredible Romantic Achromatherapy Gem Spritzer, a combination of rose and jasmine, doesn’t just have a wonderful smell; it also hydrates dry complexions.
Sexy vanilla
For centuries, vanilla has been used in cultures all over the world. Take the Totonac Indians in the Sierra Norte de Puebla region of Mexico, who’ve worn vanilla beans in their hats and rubbed their bodies with glistening vanilla bean oil. Throughout Europe, particularly in France, people also used perfume made from vanilla pods. At the end of the 19th century, when vanilla extract was easier to obtain, women dabbed vanilla behind their ears and on their wrists to feel attractive and entice men.
While many women wear vanilla-scented fragrances simply because they love the smell, it turns out some men actually prefer it. Alan Hirsch, M.D., a neurologist and psychiatrist with the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, conducted controlled tests to better understand the connection between smell and sexual arousal and found that mature men seemed to respond most strongly to the scent of vanilla.
Product picks: To calm and hydrate your skin, enjoy
Korres Vanilla Plum Body Butter, a lightweight formula that also sunflower, almond and avocado oils. Create a luxurious bath with Bliss Vanilla and Bergamot Bubbling Bath and Shower Gel, an environmentally-friendly and biodegradable option.
Sensuous cinnamon
In his research, Dr. Hirsch also reported that baked cinnamon buns had more effect than all the perfumes together. Indeed, for years, many aromatherapy experts have held that cinnamon is an aphrodisiac. When blended with vanilla, cinnamon increases the production of pheromone-like substances and, as a result, increases physical attraction.
Product picks: To enjoy the tri-fold benefits of cinnamon and vanilla together, keep a bottle of Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake 3-in-1 Shower Gel handy, and then follow-up with a moisturizing, cinnamon-scented treat: Korres Vanilla Cinnamon Body Milk.
Truly, scent can enhance just about every aspect of our lives. Discover which scents speak to you and surround yourself with them for happiness and health.
Learn everything you need to know about a natural skincare and beauty routine in our Natural Beauty Handbook.